Just got an HO GS-4. It seems to be working fine with DC, but there is no response at all on DCC while following the manual, or with anything else I've tried. I wonder if the manual left something out, or if there is a trick to this known to any of you.
I'm using an NCE Powerhouse with a PowerPax booster, but cannot read any CV's, so I cannot confirm that the address is 3. I know my system is working normally, but this engine puts the Pax into overload, so my programming track seems useless.
Hal
I don't know if it will be of any help, or even leave you with some dread or misgivings, but go to the Broadway Limited Imports website, find their forum, and a recent thread deals with some "issues" with this brand of GS model.
Hi Hal,
If you're trying to talk to the engine on your programming track that's part of the problem right there. All programming of MTH engines must be done on the main. Programming tracks do not provide enough power to run the sound decoader. Obviously, it's possible that someone test ran your engine before you purchased it and changed the adress. You might want to inquire with the dealer where you purchased it.
I also have an NCE system and have not had any problems with my GS-4. Did you press F3 to start the sounds? Even if you didn't the engine should have moved when you scrolled the throttle wheel if it is at address 3. You might also double check that the pin on the tender has fully engaged the drawbar. The engine won't run in any mode if the drawbat pin isn't fully inserted in the drawbar.
Another reason I'm so glad Athearn is releasing the ACe.
Selector, I read the thread but didn't see anything relevant to my problem.
Dave, yes, I have followed instructions about F3, so I believe it could be that the address was changed before shipping. But how do I find out what the current address is without the program track, or do anything without knowing that address?
Forgot to add that the engine works 100% on DC, and I feel pretty certain that the drawbar is OK.
hdtvnut... But how do I find out what the current address is without the program track, or do anything without knowing that address?...
I'm not sure about with NCE, but I know you can do this with Digitrax: Remove all other engines from the layout and do OPS mode programming to short address 0. Short address 0 is the broadcast address, and any programming you do should be accepted by the loco no matter what address it currently has programmed in it.
Hi again Hal,
There are two things worth trying. Someone may well have changed the address. Since the MTH engines won't work on a programming track you have a couple options. One thing is to try addressing the cab number. If someone changed CV29 for 4-digit addressing that's the factory default. BTW, that's a change in factory practice. On the K4's the default 4-digit setting was 3333.
If that doesn't work your best option is to place the engine on your mainline (remove all other engines) and send value 55 to CV55 at address 55. That's a "universal" reset for MTH engines. After doing so the engine will be reset to 2-digit addressing and an address of 3.